Traditional and contemporary art of Kazakhstan

This technique is a unique, original method of artistic leatherwork, combining the traditions of Kazakh decorative and applied arts with the principles of easel painting. The process of creating the work is entirely by hand and involves a multi-stage preparation of the material: cutting the leather, dyeing it with natural and synthetic pigments, forming a relief surface through embossing and modelling folds, as well as the subsequent artistic refinement of the composition.At the centre of the work unfolds a dynamic scene of a golden eagle hunt — one of the most significant motifs in Kazakh culture. The swift movement of the horseman and the soaring golden eagle is conveyed through the intricate modelling of the material. Rhythmically arranged relief lines, undulating folds and expressive contours create a sense of movement, gusts of wind and spatial depth. Thanks to the unique texture of the leather, the image acquires a sculptural expressiveness and multi-dimensionality.The colour scheme is based on a combination of natural shades of ochre, sand, brown and greenish tones. This palette evokes the landscapes of the Kazakh steppe and mountainous regions, reinforcing the work’s connection to the national cultural context. The use of natural tones allows artists to emphasise the organic nature of the material and create a harmonious image based on the unity of humankind, the animal world and the surrounding environment.